Fire Cables: Fire-Resistant vs. Flame-Retardant

09.12.24 ● 3 minutes

There is a difference!

In the realm of modern construction and electrical engineering, safety and reliability are paramount considerations.

The use of suitable materials, particularly in cable installations, is essential to ensure the protection of both life and property.

Two terms you may come across in this context are "fire-resistant cables" and "flame-retardant cables."

The two may sound similar, however they have distinct differences that play roles in maintaining electrical systems during fire incidents.

Fire-Resistant Cables: Withstanding the Heat

Fire cables maintain their functionality for a specific duration, even when exposed to high temperatures caused by a fire.

These fire rated cables communicate during the event of a fire, allowing emergency systems to operate for a safe evacuation process.

Key Characteristics of Fire-Resistant Cables:

Insulation and Sheathing Materials - Manufacturers make fire-resistant cables using materials that withstand extreme temperatures. We choose the insulation and sheathing materials to provide exceptional fire resistance.
Integrity Under Fire - When exposed to flames and extreme heat, fire-resistant cables maintain their structural integrity. Emergency Lighting, Fire Detection and other communication systems rely heavily on Fire-resistant cables.
Time - Fire-resistant cables split into "Standard" (30 or 60 minutes) and "Enhanced" (120 minutes). This indicates the time they can withstand fire exposure while maintaining their function.

Applications of Fire-Resistant Cables:

Emergency Lighting.
Fire Alarms - Commercial Buildings, Office Blocks, Hospitals, Hotels & Railway Stations.
Smoke Extraction Systems - Industrial, Public & Commercial Environments.
Evacuation Routes - Stairwells, Exit Paths & Fire Escape Routes.

Flame-Retardant Cables: Limiting Fire Spread

Flame-retardant cables hinder the rapid spread of flames along the cable's length.

They do not offer the same level of resistance to high temperatures. Their primary goal is to prevent fire from moving along the cable, containing the fire and allowing for intervention.

Key Characteristics of Flame-Retardant Cables:

Delayed Flame Spread - Produced with materials the prevent the spread of fire. These materials release flame-suppressing compounds when exposed to heat, slowing down the progression of flames.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) - These cables minimise the release of toxic gases and smoke when exposed to fire. This improves safety conditions for occupants and responders.
Insulation and Sheathing - Specialist insulation and sheathing materials create flame-retardant cables which reduce the cable becoming a fuel source itself.

Applications of Flame-Retardant Cables:

Commercial Buildings.
Residential Buildings.
Non-Critical areas (where immediate evacuation is not the primary concern).
Consumer Electronics - Household appliances, Power Cords, Electronic Products etc.

In Summary:

In the world of electrical engineering and fire safety, the distinctions between fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables are crucial.

Fire-resistant cables withstand high temperatures and maintain functionality during a fire.

Flame-retardant cables focus on limiting the spread of flames along the cable's length.

Both types of cables play vital roles in ensuring:

The safety of occupants.
Protecting property.

This enables effective firefighting and emergency response efforts.

Understanding the main differences between Fire-Resistant & Flame-Retardant cables, allows you to make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate cable for your application, which ultimately contributes to British standards.

If you have any questions that weren’t answered in this article, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.

We’re always happy to help!

An Overview of Fire Cables

In the event of a fire, the situation can quickly get out of control. After a short period, typically no more than 30 seconds, the fire propagates rapidly, producing a cloud of toxic black smoke that also prevents visibility. After roughly five minutes, the heat of the fire is strong enough to ignite surrounding objects.This undoubtedly creates challenges, as the occupants of the building need to evacuate, yet the difficulty increases by the second. The severity increases for larger buildings, especially public facilities, such as hospitals, shopping centres, stadiums, and public transport hubs.This means that all buildings must have:Fire detection. Fire alarms. Fire suppression systems. Emergency escape lighting systems. (and aim to have:) Security cameras and video links. The protection systems often include data cables to provide communication between sensors, controllers, building management or CCTV monitors.What Does A Fire Alarm Cable Do?Fire cables are intended to work during a fire and not fail in the case of high temperatures being applied to them.These cables are providing power and data to alarm sounders and visual fire signals to guarantee that individuals in all regions of the building may safely leave.What Cable is Used for a Fire Alarm?Any cable that is compliant with British Standard BS 5839-1, which addresses the operation of fire protection systems, such as:Smoke control. Emergency lighting. Automatic door Fire alarm systems. Voice alarm systems. Fire extinguishing systems. and any related safety measures, such as:Elevator grounding. Valve closing. or Air handling shutdowns. Does a Fire Alarm Cable Have to be Red?No, the fire alarm wire that is compliant in BS 5839-1 does not have to be red, but it must be a distinct colour from other forms of electrical wiring within the building. Although, it is an industry norm to not alter the colour of the fire alarm wires.If a different cable colour is utilised, the customer should agree on a variation as part of the design before installation.What is the Difference Between Fire-Rated and Fire-Resistant Cable?Flame Rated or Flame Retardant refers to cables that do not continue to work during a fire but are meant to prevent flame spread, propagation, smoke evolution, acidic/corrosive gas evolution, and burning droplets.Fire Resistant cables are those that are meant to offer continuous power/signal supply for safety installations while also preventing the passage of fire for a certain period.What is an Enhanced Fire Cable?All cables are intended to guarantee that the connectivity between fire alarm systems functions properly for an acceptable amount of time.The BS 5389-1 cable standard distinguishes between 'Standard' and 'Enhanced' grade cables, which define the amount of fire resistance that the cables provide.Enhanced:The 'Enhanced' grade is intended for usage in situations where the fire detection and alarm systems need to enable evacuation for a longer period than the 'Standard' grade fire-resistant cables provide during a fire.Standard:In addition to meeting the requirements of BS 5839-1, Standard fire performance cables must obtain a class of at least PH30 when tested in line with EN 50200. They must also keep the circuit running.Additionally, enhanced fire-resistant cables are recommended for the following applications:In un-sprinkled buildings (or areas) when the fire plan calls for occupant evacuation in four or more stages. Buildings that are taller than 30 metres that are not sprinkled. In un-sprinkled premises and sites where a fire in one place may harm vital signal route cables associated with areas remote from the fire, and where it is anticipated that humans may stay in occupancy during the fire. In any situation where the designer, specifier, or regulatory body believes that the use of Enhanced fire-resistant cables is needed based on a fire risk assessment. Does a Fire Alarm Cable Need to be in Conduit?To minimise mechanical damage, you should aim to not include fire alarm wires in the same conduit as other utility cables.There are instances where fire alarm cables may be put in the same conduit as other service cables, however; a separate compartment should be created specifically for the fire alarm wires.The trunking partition should be sturdy, stiff, and continuous. The guideline is designed to prevent harm to the fire alarm cables when other circuits are modified (for example, when other cables are stripped out or new cables are drawn in.)It may not always be practical to provide a separate conduit, trunking, or compartment for fire alarm wires in some situations, such as when installing a new fire alarm system in an existing but old structure.In such circumstances, a deviation from the standard's guidelines should be indicated in the system's certification. Where cable segregation is not reasonably possible, care must be taken to prevent electromagnetic interference from other cables from disrupting the fire alarm circuits.

What is Fire Resistant Cable Used For?

A protective sheath covers fire resistant cable, preventing the spread of flames while decreasing the quantity of smoke and harmful gases released in the case of combustion. As a result, heat resistant cable is commonly used in wiring installations that require insulation from high temperatures as well as good electromagnetic interference protection.Fire Resistant (FR) - cables are made to keep crucial emergency services operating during a fire. They are perfect for:Alarm circuits Fire detection Emergency lighting system Where twisted pairs or metallic screen are not needed.They have two categories:Class A – can be in 950 ℃ ~ 1000 ℃ flame rated voltage to endure burning for a minimum of 90 minutes, with no breaks in the cable Class B – can be in 750 ℃ ~ 800 ℃ flame rated voltage to endure burning for a minimum of 90 minutes, with no breaks in the cable Mineral Insulated CableMineral Insulated Cable (MICC) is utilised in sectors such as alarm circuits, emergency lights, and sprinkler systems to provide circuit integrity. MI cabling has high fire resistance capabilities and can function for an extended period at temperatures up to 250 °C, but it is also:Explosion proof High corrosion resistance High current carrying capacity Radiation resistance Lightweight and smokeless Long lifespan Can a Fire Cable be Exposed?To reduce the chance of mechanical damage, avoid putting fire cables in the same conduit as other utility wires. Extensive runs of fire alarm wires near high current power lines should be avoided wherever possible.Fire Cable Should:Be segregated from all other services. Not share the same conduit. Use a separate compartment if common trunking is used. Avoid running alongside high current power lines. Avoid running adjacent to lightning conductors. Avoid electromagnetic interference from 'extra low voltage (240V) circuits'. What Voltage is Fire Cable?A fire cable is one of the most common low voltage devices on the market today. They are often seen in various residential and business sectors.A regular fire cable can be rated between 300V and 500V. Most modern fire alarm systems are measured at 24 volts.Find a wholesaler to shop our range of fire cables!